Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the fellow has his or her desk and microscope (if applicable) for the year and is issued a computer with internet access and all necessary pathology software applications.
A typical day begins at 7:30 a.m. and involves patient care, research activities or both, depending on the curriculum in the subspecialty area of training. Lunchtime frequently is coupled with didactic lectures or conferences; these may be in the fellow's subspecialty area, and if not, the fellow is welcome to attend.
Fellows are expected to be in the department until 5 p.m., but fellows often remain longer to complete patient care activities, read about cases or work on research projects. Fellows work hours are well within limits set by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education.
There are many opportunities for fellows to engage in research with faculty who are experts in their fields. Fellows are required to undertake one project, but they frequently complete multiple research projects focused on clinical or translational studies.
Fellows are encouraged to submit their work to research competitions available at Cedars-Sinai and the surrounding community. These include the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine's Nathan B. Friedman Competition, Cedars-Sinai Research Day, Patient Safety/Quality Improvement and Clinical Fellows Awards, and the Los Angeles Society of Pathologists' annual resident/fellow symposium.
Pathology fellows are required to keep a current certification in basic life support only. For more information, please see the Graduate Medical Education website.
The Compensation Benefits and Policy Information page provides information about stipends and benefits.
Conference attendance is an important aspect of fellowship training, allowing for educational and networking opportunities in the fellow's subspecialty of choice.
$1,800 is allocated for pathology textbooks, professional organization dues, board review course or scientific meeting and travel expenses.
Four calendar weeks (20 days total) of paid time off is provided each academic year to cover vacations, interview travel and conference attendance (additional time is provided to attend conferences as approved by the fellowship program director). Additional paid absences are granted for those taking an American Board of Pathology examination, presenting an abstract at a scientific meeting or participating as a committee member of a national pathology organization. In addition, fellows have 5 days of sick leave each year.
In addition to allotted vacation paid time off for vacation and interview travel.
Additional time is provided to attend conferences as approved by the fellowship program director.
Parking and lab coats are provided for fellows free of charge. The parking structure is across the street from the hospital.
The Cedars-Sinai Work & Life Matters program is the institutional employee assistance program. It provides comprehensive, fully integrated work-life services for employees and their dependents (including domestic partners), and includes assistance in finding apartments, childcare and counseling.
For information on housing, attractions, dining and more, visit Campus Life.
No, H-1B visas are not sponsored for trainees. The program does accept J-1 visas for qualified candidates.
Have Questions or Need Help?
If you have questions or would like to learn more about the Blood Banking/Transfusion Medicine Fellowship Program at Cedars-Sinai, please call or send a message to Program Coordinator, Jean Havercroft.
Blood Banking/Transfusion Medicine Fellowship
Pacific Theater Building, 5th Floor
116 N. Robertson Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90069